Richmond’s fourth pick in the recent 2017 AFL national draft, father-son selection, Patrick Naish, talks about his transition to Tigerland and his main goals leading into season 2018 . . .
Tasmania training camp“There was a fair bit of walking and complaining, but it was good. It was good to be away from the Club and just have that connection with a few of those older boys (Riewoldt, Lambert, Nankervis) and the boys that got drafted . . . There was a lot of walking and a lot of tough days, but we got through it.”
Prospects of playing at the top level in 2018“I think it’s realistic, but I just want to get off on the right foot, work hard before Christmas, then the rest of the pre-season leading up to Round 1, and get my body and mental space ready to have, hopefully, a good first year . . . I need to put on a bit of size. That’s the first thing I need to get hold of over the pre-season. But I think my skill level is, I believe, up to the standard . . . I just want to have a crack this pre-season, put my best foot forward for whenever the (senior) opportunity comes.”
Slight initial pre-season setback“I’m in rehab at the moment, so I haven’t been out with the main group, which is frustrating. I hurt my Achilles on the camp . . . A couple of us first-year boys have got the same little one (injury), but it’s nothing too major. I should be running by the end of the week, I think . . . It looks out there that the boys are humming around and they’re up and about. It’s something very, very exciting and something I’d enjoy, that’s for sure.”
Fatherly advice
“He (dad Chris, who had a 143-game career with Richmond) just said enjoy it. Make my own path and sort enjoy whatever comes. Obviously he played and he experienced it. So enjoy it, work hard, and you’ll reap the rewards in the future.”
Thrilled to be a Tiger“It’s a bit weird training with your idols, who you’ve grown up loving, but I’m loving every minute of it. I’m loving coming to my work now . . . just enjoying it so much.”
Tigerland mentors“I was working with Brandon Ellis before I came here. He’s still helping me a bit with that half-back role. But I’ve started to go more in the midfield and blokes like Josh Caddy and ‘Grigga’ (Shaun Grigg) have helped me as well with my positioning at stoppages and stuff. They’ve been unreal.”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-12-13/patrick-naish-in-focus
